Voters encouraged to view sample ballots before going to polls on Election Day

OCTOBER 25, 2012

Preparation could help reduce lines at the polls

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging Michigan
voters to go online to view their sample ballot prior to the Nov. 6 general
election in order to help shorten lines on Election Day.

"It's as easy as visiting our Michigan Voter Information Center at
www.michigan.gov/vote," said Johnson, Michigan's chief elections officer. "Doing
a little bit of homework and knowing what you are voting on before you reach the
polls will make the voting process faster and easier for all voters, and help
lines move more quickly in your polling location."

Voters in some areas will face lengthier ballots, thanks in part to six
statewide ballot proposals. Those issues, combined with local proposals and
local, county, state and federal races, have resulted in two-page ballots in
some areas.

Voters in Emmett, Genesee, Muskegon and Wayne counties will vote on two-page
ballots. Some voters in Kalamazoo and Kent counties will also see two-page
ballots.

"It is more important than ever before for Wayne County voters to review and
fully understand what they are voting for," said Wayne County Clerk Cathy M.
Garrett. "A sample
ballot can also be found on my website
or at your
local clerk's office before the Nov. 6 election, and I have always believed that
an informed voter is an effective voter."

Voters are allowed to bring the sample ballot into their polling location in
order to facilitate marking the official ballot, but should be sure to take the
sample ballot with them when they leave the voting booth. It may not be shown to
other voters.

Also on the Michigan Voter Information Center website, residents can check their
voter registration status, find their polling location, learn about absentee
voting, get information on Michigan's voter ID laws and view contact information
for their local clerk.

"We have been giving the website high praises during our precinct inspector
trainings and discussions with civic groups and with the media," said Joan
Runyon, elections coordinator for the Livingston County clerk's office. "I very
much like the ballot tracking feature, which provides voters the reassurance in
knowing the date that their absentee ballot was mailed out and the date that the
clerk received it after the voter mailed it back."